Prison School: No More Prison

Kiyoshi's POV:

It's almost 10:30 PM. And out of any place I could be…

I-I'm in a girl's bedroom!

Yes, she's Hana, and yes, she's crying, but it doesn't make it any less exciting.

N-No, calm down… You said you were gonna help her… Don't back down now…

I could see Hana's hand trembling, that brought me back to reality. 

"Tell me, Hana-san… What happened…Is…She okay?"

"...yes, she's fine, Meiko should text me when she's done…"

"T-That's good…"

Hana's body seemed to relax for a second as she caught some air.

"I met Mayumi on the nurse's office… She asked for you…" I looked at her face as she stared into nothing. "It must be about her…"

Ah shit… I've been trying to avoid Mayumi. I know that once I talk to her, I'll have to talk to Chiyo too…

"... That's also why you were scared, right?"

Shit… She read me like a book. I simply nodded.

"...W-What are you planning on doing, Hana?"

"..."

Hana looked at her empty tea cup. Her tiny brown eyes slowly feeling with what I could only say was courage.

"...If… we have the chance, we should try to ask for her forgiveness"

"...D-Do you think she'd talk to us?"

"... I-I… Don't know"

…

I still can't believe anything that's happening…

Did Chiyo actually try to harm herself? Is it…

"It's not just your fault"

!!!

Shit… Is she able to read mines or something?

"Don't look at me with that face, I can tell what your thinking with those facial contortions"

"S-Sorry… I'm just… nervous… I don't know what would happen if Chiyo tells anyone what happened… Will I get expelled? Will I get back to-... Nevermind… It's just… terrible"

"... y-you… Y-You don't care about what people would say about you?"

Mmm… That's right, Hana always tries to maintain her pública image as clean as possible, right? I guess that's what worries her the most…

"Well, to be fair, I don't care about it"

"W-Why so?"

"Mmm… First of all, just 3 days ago almost every person in this school told me to die while calling me 'Dickyoshit'. Second of all, the only reason why I cared so much about my reputation before was so Chiyo herself would feel bad about me." D-Damn… saying that out loud sounded really bad… D-Did I always think like that? "A-And lastly… Even if all of that happens… I'll have my friends, as corny as that sounds."

Hana looked at me a bit surprised. I guess what I've said was good? Nice job, Kiyoshi!

"I-I see… Then why are you working on fixing your reputation?"

"W-Well, that's because I don't want to damage the USC's image. I-If a random pervert simply joined the council, it wouldn't look good on paper"

"Mmm…It makes sense…"

"Plus… If it makes you feel any better… I'll take the blame if it all comes out"

It would only be fair… She tried to save Chiyo from me… 

"D-Do you understand what you're saying right?"

"H-huh?"

"That would mean that you'll either be branded a psycho pervert for the next three years or you'll get expelled…"

"... If that's so… then I deserve it"

Ah… I don't want to leave this school… In so little time, I managed to make so many memories, so many friends, and… my first love. But if this is what I deserve for the stuff I did… I shall pay the price for my actions…

"...-n't"

Hana whispered something for a quick second

"W-what?"

"...D-Don't leave the school… If you do so, I-I won't be able to ever look at Chiyo again…"

I see… She doesn't want to feel guilty for my expulsion…

"I-I see… But that won't depend on me… It's on Chiyo's hands"

"Y-Yes… We'll have to see"

Hana's hand started slightly trembling again.

Before we started talking, I unconsciously hugged her. It was a bit awkward but it helped her calm down… M-Maybe…

Fuck it.

I gently placed my hand on hers, she looked at me a bit angry and blushing, but before I could even try to cover myself for a punch, she seemed to accept it.

And so… after a few seconds…

I could hear sobs again.

"I-It's late already… W-We can talk again later"

"Ah yes, I can come here after the last council meeting!"

"N-No, Idiot! T-This is a one time only invitation!"

Heh, at least it seems that Hana managed to calm down a bit. When she came back her face was as white as snow. Now it seems she got some color back.

Ah, that's right!

"Did you eat the cupcake I gave you today?"

"H-Huh?... oh, y-yes"

"Was it good?"

"I-It was alright"

"Thought so" I said while grabbing my bag that I hid underneath Hana's bed. "I brought some, I was planning to take them out as we drank tea but… Anyways, do you want another"

"...Heh… Just one"

W-Wow… I-It's actually weird to see her chuckle like that near me. It's kinda cute…

[...]

As I came back to my room. I found Shingo and Gakuto awake. Both of them were talking, their faces looking more serious than usual. As soon as I entered the room, both of them looked at me in surprise.

"K-Kiyoshi! Where were you?"

"S-Sorry, things happened"

"Yes, things happened, did you hear about Chiyo's?"

Shit… It spread really fast…

"Y-Yes…"

"Kiyoshi-dono, what is going on with Chiyo-chan? She's been missing classes for what I heard. Yours truly tried to deeply apologize for its absence on her birthday but couldn't find her anywhere"

"I-Is this related to your love confession somehow?"

S-Shit… They connected the dots faster than I expected…

"Y-Yes… That's probably the reason"

They both looked at me worried… I do hope that if anything happens, at least they won't treat me any worse…

"G-Guess I won't ask any more…"

"Shit… Well, at least Anzu had a valid reason to leave…"

"E-Eh? You were with Anzu today? So that's why she was missing…"

"Hehe…" Shingo's face changed from worried to a rare tone of superiority… "I had a date with Anzu"

"Eeh?! C-Congrats!... Did you manage to-"

I finished my sentence as soon as his face changed again to one of pure pain and sadness. I guess that's a no.

"And you Gakuto? How's your plan going?"

He looked at me while adjusting his glasses, grinning like a genius…

"Yours truly has strategized many plans to win back Mitsuko's heart…"

"... And have any of them work-"

I stopped talking again as soon as his face turned into one similar to Shingo's…

Let's just go to sleep before everyone's tears fill the room.

12th of July, Thursday

As I woke up this morning, I felt strangely calm…

As if I relieved some weight I had on my back… But I'm not sure why that… Maybe because I helped Hana?

I went to classes a little worried, I wasn't actually expecting Chiyo to show up after what happened yesterday, but I couldn't be sure. 

Hana texted me that Meiko told her she was feeling better, but I didn't really think that she would come…

And I was right… She's missed almost 5 days of classes right now…

…

To be honest, I expected her to feel badly about everything that happened… Especially after literally peeing on her, but I didn't expect her to lock herself up…

I should talk to Mayumi whenever I can…

[...]

As classes ended, I went to the council's office…

Only Meiko and Kate were there, before I arrived I could hear them talk from outside, but I couldn't catch what they were saying…

*Knock knock*

"Excuse me…"

They both looked a bit worried by my entrance, but as soon as they saw it was me, they seemed a bit more calm.

"Ahh, Kiyoshi-kun, you arrived a bit earlier than expected"

"Sorry, I had a bit of free time"

"That's okay, please make some tea before the others arrive so we can discuss about your plan"

"Y-Yes, ma'am!"

Sadly, I'm not as good as Hana when it comes to preparing good tea blends or choosing the right one to drink, but at least it's not terrible.

As some time went, more people arrived, first it was Risa-san, who looked happy, even though her face didn't scream it or anything. Then it was Mitsuko-san, who came with a ton of books and looked a bit exhausted. Finally, it was Hana, who arrived as if she wasn't crying next to me yesterday. I have to admit I kinda envy that skill of hers.

"That makes everyone…" Said Kate.

"Then… Let's start" Meiko looked a bit more serious than usual as she grabbed some papers.

"I'll make this quick so we can start working. The idea of having a talent festival was accepted. We'll treat it as the School Culture Festival, just not as big. Most clubs, the councils and every other group will help fund the summer trip. If we fail to collect the money we need, the trip will have to be canceled"

S-Shit… If that happens… There won't be a wet t-shirt contest..

"We'll make this simple: As we can't afford making a festival as big as others, we'll have to reduce the number of invitations. For that, everyone can only invite family members and up to three guests. That should be enough to fill the school up anyways"

"How much money do we need to raise, exactly?"

"If you don't take into account the expenses for both preparation and materials… around 800k yen" 

"T-That's…"

"A lot of money"

"Yes…"

"Yes, it is. But it's that or giving up the summer trip. And even if we don't raise the money, the school's image and morela will"

W-Well, she has an argument, but it still is a lot of money to raise on a single day.

But I have to do it… For the dream I want to accomplish… Even if I'm at my lowest… I want to see the WTC!

"So, what do we need?" I gathered all my inspiration in that question.

"Ways of making money" Kate answered back.

"There are some easy ones, the cooking club will be working on the cafeteria selling different stuff, as well as the handcrafts and art clubs"

I see… Meiko and Kate have been talking to different clubs, and so far they have got some good ones but…

"That won't be enough" Risa said before I could think of it.

"No… Plus most clubs will get excluded… Such as sports, games and other types of clubs" Meiko seemed a bit troubled.

"So… We can just make a talent show of sorts, right?" I asked

"Hmm?"

"I know this may sound stupid but, why don't we grab a bit of every other club and make something similar to a talent show. The acting club can perform, the karate, judo, dance and cheerleading clubs could do the same and any other groups could do something similar to that"

Everyone looked at me a bit surprised…

D-Did I say something wrong?

"Mmm… It could work… But you're not taking in consideration stuff like space, prices and organization"

"W-Well, it was just a quick idea… If you give me some time I could plan it a bit better"

"We don't have time" Hana replied. "So we better find a way to make money fast"

"D-Do we know anything about the Chairman?" Mitsuko-san asked, a bit worried.

"He won't make it on time, he may come see the festival but that's it"

So… We don't have time, we don't have options and we don't have money… If they don't have any ideas… 

"I'd like to ask the other boys for their ideas"

"Hmm?"

"Why them?"

"W-Well, if it comes to making sure the summer trip occurs, they will definitely find ways to solve it"

That's right… Even after all our fights, differences and situations, we all have one goal in common…

"Mmm… They've proven themselves to be… resourceful at least." Kate added.

"When would the festival be held?"

"We have until the 20th of July"

Shit… Only 8 days… This won't go well if we don't do our best…

I have to talk with the guys…

If we don't do something… The wet t-shirt contest may be in danger…

End of Kiyoshi's POV.

Satou's POV:

It's been a week since I broke up with Yoshida.

I've tried my best to feel better, but it's been a bit difficult.

It's not that I spent my nights crying for him or anything, but I feel a bit sad whenever I think of him…

"Satou-san! I'm going home, have a good day!"

"A-Ah, bye!"

I've been trying to distract myself from that… Baking and cooking are my best friends after all…

And with that 'festival' around the corner, the president of the club wants us to make a lot of sweets… 

So I've been having a lot of stuff to work with recently.

Also, I went out with the guys recently, the day we were supposed to go to Chiyo's birthday we had a crazy adventure on their 'rocket'. It was pretty fun actually, even if my phone almost died…

And both Joe-kun and Mayumi-chan have been hanging up a lot with me recently, so I don't feel that lonely… I hope Chiyo-chan forgives me for missing her birthday… Maybe I should make her something to eat…

"Ah, Cake-san *cough*, I was looking for you"

"Ah, Joe-kun!"

Since that day I've been hanging a lot with Joe-kun. He has helped me a lot to move on from that… asshole.

Ah… that's right… I wanted to give him something in return… Kiyoshi told me to just give him something to eat, but… Will that be okay? Maybe I can change my gift a little…

"J-Joe-kun, are you busy now?"

"Not really, why?"

"Would you like to bake something with me?"

Joe looked a bit surprised… I think… I can't really see his face with the hoodie on.

"S-Sure… I'd love to. But, I've never baked anything *cough*"

"I'll teach you how to!"

"W-Will that be okay with your club?"

"Yes! Your helping me with my job after all"

We both washed our hands as we talked about each other's day.

Joe talked mostly about his ants… He really loves them does he?

Well, I can't blame him, I talked mostly about my time at the club too.

"Hmm? What festival?"

"Ah! sorry! You probably haven't heard about it, but next week or so we'll be having a culture festival to raise funds for the summer trip!"

"Huh? We don't have money for it?! *cough**cough*" His face went a bit paler than usual.

"A-Apparently not… But that's why I'm working so hard… I want to go to the beach with y'all and be able to navigate on your rocket-thingy!"

Ah… I really want to experience going to the beach with friends… I'd love to have as much fun as last saturday…

*Grab*

Joe suddenly put his hand on my shoulder. As I saw him, tears ran down his face

"J-Joe-kun?"

"*sniff* You're truly a hero, Diamond-san. I'll help you make some cupcakes!"

As surprised as I was by his reaction, it also filled me with determination.

"Yes! Let's bake some goodies!"

[...]

Well, that went really well!

Joe-kun didn't lie, he didn't know anything about baking, I had to help him with most stuff, but his help saved me some time.

I tried to teach him as much as I could, and he seemed really happy to learn… It was cute!

All that's missing is the buttercream for the last ones.

"How do I make it?"

"Well, you have to whisk the butter until it gets soft, then add some sugar, vanilla and a bit of salt"

"I-I see…"

Joe started whisking the butter as I brought the other stuff…

"Hmm? Joe-kun, you're doing it wrong"

"How so?"

"Here, let me help you"

I grabbed his hands and guided him on how to do it. 

"See? You make it so your wrist stays stills, that way it will soften faster"

"I-I see…" 

Just then I noticed what I did. I quickly let go of his hand as my cheeks turned a bit red…

"S-Sorry"

"N-No, no… that helped me *cough*. Now I know how to do it"

"Hehe!" I smiled at him. He's really helpful…

But… I felt something weird when I grabbed his hand…

I've never felt that before…

I-

"Cake-san, how's this?"

"A-Ah, that's good! Now I'll add the rest"

As I added them and he helped me, I started mixing everything together. But my mind was now thinking of other stuff.

I finished the buttercream and added it to the cupcakes. They tasted pretty good!

"Is it okay for us to eat some?"

"Well, we have to try what we're selling right? I don't want to sell crappy stuff!"

"Heh, your stuff won't ever be crappy, Cake-san *cough*"

"T-Thanks"

Mmm…

S-Should I ask him?...

…

I-I hope it's not that weird…

"Joe-kun… Could you lend me your hand for a second?"

"Mmm? Sure"

I grabbed his hand and started feeling his fingers, then his palm and lastly I interlocked them.

I was blushing a bit and so was him… But…

"C-Cake-san?"

"J-Joe-kun…"

I grabbed his hand a bit tighter… I couldn't hold it anymore…

"Joe-kun… W-Would you mind- uhm"

"Y-Yes?"

F-Fuck it… It's now or never

"C-Can I… see your arm?"

"...Huh? My arm"

"Y-Yes… your arm"

He looked a bit surprised, but he lifted his sleeve as far as it could go… Then I saw it

"J-Joe-kun! Y-You're really skinny!"

"U-Uh…y-yeah…"

I've never seen someone as skinny as him… Is it because of his allergies? He can't gain any weight? T-That can't be…

I suddenly felt the same way my granda did when I was young… I used to be really skinny and not much of an eater. But my grandma always baked me stuff for me to eat…

"S-Sorry… I know women don't like skinny men but-"

"J-Joe-kun, don't say another word"

I grabbed his hand again as I placed it near my chest

"I'll make sure to fill you up with food! You won't be skinny again!"

Joe looked at me dumbfounded. D-Did I say something weird? I don't think so

He then started laughing while blushing.

"Hahaha! As long as I can eat your sweets I'm all good *cough*"

"Then it's a deal! But you'll have to help me during the festival too"

"I would have done it anyways"

Now I have another thing to distract me… I'll follow your steps grandma! For Joe-kun!

"S-Satou-san… my hand is…"

I let go of his hand as soon as I saw it in between my breasts.

"S-Sorry!"

I had to thank Kiyoshi later… He was right about it…

"I-It's okay… thanks, Satou-san"

His cheeks were slightly red. It was also the first time I heard him call me by my name in a long time. I couldn't help but feel a little… shy.

"Next time, I'll make one for your ants too, okay?"

"Heh, I would love that"

To be continued…

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